Bok Academy South in Lake Wales begins school year with interim principal

For the third time in two years, Edward W. Bok Academy South in Lake Wales has a new principal.

Julio Acevedo has been appointed as interim principal at the middle school following the resignation of Damian Rosado shortly before the start of the school year.

Wayne Rodolfich, Superintendent for Lake Wales Charter Schools, did not respond to an interview request. The Lake Wales News reported that Rodolfich said Rosado resigned to take another position that allowed him to be closer to family members.

Rosado became the school’s principal in 2021 following the unexpected death of Damien Moses at age 50. Moses had been the school’s leader since 2011 and had served as an administrator for Lake Wales Charter Schools since 2004.

Acevedo joined Lake Wales Charter Schools 16 years ago, starting as a teacher at Polk Avenue Elementary School, Human Resources Director Laquanda Burroughs said. He served as director of human resources and transportation for nine years, she said.

Acevedo briefly left the district before returning last October, Burroughs said. He had been director of bilingual services before being appointed as interim principal. Acevedo did not respond to an interview request.

The district began interviews Thursday for permanent replacement, and Acevedo is among the candidates, Burroughs said. The district seeks to choose a permanent principal by Oct. 1, she said.

Bok Academy South hosts students in sixth through eighth grades. A partner school, Bok Academy North, is located near the city center.

The school’s curriculum emphasizes “a global perspective,” and instruction employs a keystone concept that “all learning is viewed through the lens of architecture and design is central to our work,” the school’s website says.

The school’s Center for Science and Nature makes use of a garden on campus and access to Crooked Lake.

Gary White can be reached at gary.white@theledger.com or 863-802-7518. Follow on X @garywhite13.

This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Bok Academy South in Lake Wales has third principal in two years